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Apply for a Canadian Work Permit
Document Checklist
Job offer from a Canadian employer
Required for: Employer-specific work permit
Issued by: Your employer (must not be on the IRCC list of non-compliant employers)
Open work permit and IEC Working Holiday applicants do not need a job offer.
LMIA letter and Annex A
Required for: Employer-specific work permit, when the position is not LMIA-exempt
Issued by: Your employer, after Service Canada issues a positive LMIA
The LMIA is the employer's responsibility under the TFW Program. You cannot start your work permit application until your employer gives you the LMIA letter and Annex A.
Passport or travel document
Required: Original, valid for the duration of intended stay
Application form (complete online via your IRCC sign-in account; the form differs depending on whether you apply from outside or inside Canada)
Where to get: Complete online through your IRCC sign-in account
Proof of eligibility category
Required for: Open work permit
Examples: Confirmation of post-graduation work permit eligibility, IEC invitation to apply, proof of relationship to a worker or PR applicant, refugee documents
IEC profile and invitation to apply (LOI)
Required for: International Experience Canada (Working Holiday, Young Professionals, International Co-op)
Where to get: Create a profile through your IRCC sign-in account; receive an invitation through a pool draw
IEC operates through a pool-and-invitation system. Eligibility does not guarantee an invitation in any given round.
Biometrics (fingerprints and photo)
Where: Visa Application Centre (outside Canada) or Service Canada biometric collection point (inside Canada)
When: Within 30 days of receiving your biometrics instruction letter from IRCC
You give biometrics after submitting the online application and paying the biometrics fee.
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